2G case: Court reserves ruling on Behura’s bail plea

New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Thursday reserved its order on the bail plea of former telecom secretary Siddhartha Behura, an accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

Justice Ajit Bharihoke said: “Order on bail is reserved.”

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed Behura’s application, saying that he doctored the list of telecom licence applicants to extend undue benefits to Swan Telecom.

“The role and complicity of Behura in the case is very clear as he legitimised the application of ineligible firm Swan Telecom Private Ltd. and compromised with the seniority list of the applicants to extend undue benefits to it,” the CBI informed Justice Bharihoke.

“The undue haste shown in awarding licences to Swan Telecom…amply indicated the role of Behura in the case,” said Lalit.

Senior advocate Aman Lekhi, appearing for Behura, countered the CBI’s submission, saying his client was only performing his duties being the secretary of the department of telecommunication.

The CBI’s first charge sheet in the case filed April 2 named Behura along with others.

Charges of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and corruption have been levelled against former communications minister A. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi, Behura and 11 others in the case. At present, all the 14 are lodged in the Tihar Jail.